'Glyndwr street' battle delayed

Ceredig Davies and John Davies before the appeal hearing

A court battle over the renaming of an Aberystwyth street after Welsh warlord Owain Glyndwr has been adjourned.

Aberystwyth magistrates adjourned the appeal hearing on Tuesday because there was not enough time to deal with the matter.

The court was hearing the appeal over the renaming of part of North Parade after receiving official objections to the move by Ceredigion Council.

But the delay gives objectors a chance to regroup and strengthen their case before the next hearing.

As far as we are concerned Owain Glyndwr is a name looking for a home but North Parade is not a home looking for a name Ceredig Davies, Chamber of Commerce

A resolution to rename Aberystwyth's Upper North Parade, Owain Glyndwr Square was passed by the county council on St David's Day in 2001.

An informal consultation then took place which resulted in Aberystwyth town council - and many individuals and businesses - rejecting the idea.

'Large reaction'

But the council pressed ahead seeking to re-name part of North Parade, Owain Glyndwr Square.

But the town's Chamber of Commerce and North Parade jeweller, John Davies objected to the move.

And under the 1925 Public Health Act, official objections mean that magistrates will have to decide the outcome of the name battle.

Chairman of the bench, Hywel Roberts, adjourned the hearing until 5 January.

Magistrates are to decide on North Parade or Owain Glyndwr Square

"This means that North Parade will remain North Parade for the rest of 2003 at least," he said.

"There's been a large reaction to this issue by the people of Aberystwyth and we had hoped it would be resolved today," said Chamber of Commerce secretary Ceredig Davies after the hearing.

"As far as we are concerned Owain Glyndwr is a name looking for a home but North Parade is not a home looking for a name," he added.

John Davies said he had objected because of the economic effect any change could have on his business.

"It will cost businesses a lot of money if they change the name because we will have to change letterheads, stationary, brochures and advertising," he said

Rebel leader Owain Glyndwr had strong connections with Aberystwyth.

The warlord captured Aberystwyth Castle in 1404 only to lose possession of it four years later when the castle was the first in Britain to be attacked by guns.